mercy

Click here to view graphically

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin terms that are typically translated as “mercy” (or “compassion” or “kindness”) in English are translated in various ways. Bratcher / Nida classify them in (1) those based on the quality of heart, or other psychological center, (2) those which introduce the concept of weeping or extreme sorrow, (3) those which involve willingness to look upon and recognize the condition of others, or (4) those which involve a variety of intense feelings.

While the English mercy originates from the Latin merces, originally “price paid,” Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, Corsican, Catalan) and other Germanic languages (German, Swedish, Danish — Barmherzigkeit, barmhärtighet and barmhjertighed, respectively) tend to follow the Latin misericordia, lit. “misery-heart.”

Here are some other (back-) translations:

See also steadfast love.

steadfast love

The Hebrew that is translated as “steadfast love,” “lovingkindness” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “love of enduring.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In Bura-Pabir it is translated as hyirkur na a palidzi wa or “love which cannot be-changed” and in the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible as kaunarsa marar canjawa or “his love without changing.” (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

In Pijin tinghevi long or “think heavy about” is used. “The Pijin expression ‘think heavy about’ is very much within the domain of committed relationships. The relationship between father and child, husband and wife, God and His people. There is a very strong element of ‘loyalty’ in this expression.” (Source: Bob Carter)

See also mercy and pain-love.

Translation commentary on 2 Samuel 7:15

But: this translates the common Hebrew conjunction, which is often translated “and,” but the context seems to require a word showing contrast.

Steadfast love: the Hebrew word so translated is rendered “kindness” by Revised Standard Version in 1 Sam 15.6 and “loyal love” in 1 Sam 20.14 (see the discussion under those verses). See also 2 Sam 2.5, where the same term is translated “loyalty.” Knox says “I will not cancel my merciful promise,” highlighting the idea of fidelity to a specific agreement.

As I took it from Saul: it should be made clear in translation that the pronoun it in this case refers to the steadfast love just mentioned. Contemporary English Version focuses on the idea of loyalty to an agreement and renders the overall meaning as “I will never put an end to my agreement with him, as I put an end to my agreement with Saul.” This is an allusion to the events narrated in 1 Sam 13.13-14.

Whom I put away from before you: the basic idea of the verb put away is “to get rid of,” as Eli told Hannah to get rid of her wine (1 Sam 1.14), and as Saul got rid of mediums and wizards (1 Sam 7.4). God got rid of Saul as king in order to be able to install David in his place. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh speaks of “Saul, whom I removed to make room for you.” New Century Version makes this a separate sentence at the end of the verse, saying “I removed Saul when I turned to you.” Good News Translation makes it clear that the position involved was that of king.

A possible model for the verse as a whole is:

• However, I will not withdraw my faithful love from him even though I did withdraw that love from Saul, who was king before you but who had to be removed.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .